Cynthia Ann Newman, 83, formerly of West Dennis, MA, and Bristol, RI, died Saturday, June 25, 2016. She was born in Fall River, MA on November 14,1932, daughter of the late Frederick and Sybil (Chase) Garvin. Mrs. Newman was a former Matron of the Dennis, MA Police Department, a cook for the Head Start Program in Dennis, a member of the West Dennis Community Church, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and secretary for Doane, Beale and Ames Funeral Home for many years. While she had many accomplishments, the most important was the children in her life. She and her husband raised more than 32 foster children. She was called “Ma” Newman by all who knew her and was famous for her wooden spoon. She loved to have dance parties at her home, play cards and cribbage, as well as crocheting. She will be remembered for her love of life and children but especially for being kind, caring and giving.
She is survived by her children, Sandra Davidson & Matthew of Pittsfield, NH; Sharon Checrallah & James of Andover, MA; Joan Sennott of Harwich, MA; Frederick Newman & Julia Devine of Middleboro, MA, and James Newman of Palm Bay, FL; eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, one sister, Judith Joy (Garvin) Seamans of Riverside, RI, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Henry B. Newman, Jr in 2008, as well as one sister Charlotte Garvin.
The family will have a private burial in Bristol, RI. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Cynthia’s memory to Evergreen Place, 813 Beech Street, Manchester, NH 03104 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.